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Identity

There are so many things in this world that pull us in every direction. Identity is one of them. Many are searching for an identity that is true and lasting. The bible tells us that that kind of identity is only found in Jesus. Yet, even Christ followers sometime take this for granted because we already have it. We feel because we have already accepted Him we are okay to stop the search… While it is true for us–that the search to FIND Him is over, we need to realize the search to KNOW HIM is far from complete.

As believers once we accept what Jesus has done for us on the cross, we need to start the new search for who He needs to be IN us and start to live it out. The best way we can do this is by studying and exploring more of why He became SIN for us on the cross. We daily need this reminder to live out a Holy life acceptable and pleasing to God. You see, on the cross Jesus became our identity. This identity of our sin causedHis own Father to abandon Him for our sakes.

For those of us who have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice… Jesus’ identity has replaced our old identity and has given us a new one– His OWN ! An identity that is Holy and Righteous so we can now live for Him. It is from this point on that our identity should become so transparent with who HE IS that others only see HIM when they look at us.

Apostle Paul put it this way: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal 2:20-21

If we cease to discover more of who Christ is and stop growing towards an identity that belongs to Him then we paralyze the search, which can ultimately put us on the shelf. This renders us useless in whatever purpose He has for us. It is then, that His identitythrough us can get lost and forgotten as we sometimes (because of flesh) resume our search to find it in what the world is offering–rather than living according to the Spirit and resting in Christ’s identity alone.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Galatians 5:16-17

Recently, I saw this lived out in a practical way… when one of the contestants from a reality show, was given some less than professional advice concerning his faith. Early on in the competition he was told that the pop culture would not accept his choice ofsong because it was religious based. This young man stood up for what he believed in and sang it anyway. The result… it made him more respected by others because he refused to waver in his personal beliefs and so they saw his identity was an identity in Christ.

After one performance that was out of character for him, he made an apology that “he wasn’t himself”. This would be his last round in the competition. However, it was still Christ’s identity which came shining through even at the very end, when this young man reiterated a proclamation of his faith and how God had reminded Him of who He is.

Sometime this week– as a Believer, think about who you are. Are you living your life in such a way that others see HIM and not you?

If you are not a Believer and you are still searching, ask yourself these questions: Do you know Christ died for you? Where is your identity right now? If you are still searching for it then take your search to the cross, where you will find a new identity in Jesus- one that is a perfect fit for your life.

We all have an identity but when our identity belongs to Christ, we will always be reminded where and to whom we belong … because God won’t let us forget.